The international recognition Oulu and Oulu 2026, European Capital of Culture are receiving right now is the kind of visibility no advertising budget can truly buy. In the past few months we have seen a wave of global media coverage naming our northern city a must-visit destination for 2026, celebrating its creative energy, cultural depth, natural beauty, and genuine sense of place. This is the result of sustained collective effort by local companies, the City of Oulu, Visit Oulu, and the Oulu2026 Cultural Foundation. The story being told today is rooted in real investment in culture, community, and collaboration. On Visit Oulu’s website you can explore the full list of international articles recognising Oulu’s rise on the global travel radar 👉 Check the website for up-to-date list of media coverage. Here are some of the notable mentions: National Geographic National Geographic included Oulu in its Best of the World 2026 list, highlighting how the city is finally getting its momen...